The Greens’ Gorton and Denton by-election win was about inclusion — not sectarianism
The Greens’ Gorton and Denton by-election win was about inclusion — not sectarianism
What a remarkable night it was. Not merely because the Green Party claimed its first parliamentary by-election victory in Gorton and Denton, nor solely due to the overturning of a once-unshakable Labour majority of over 13,000 votes. It was more than that, even more than the historic return of a Green MP to the North of England. This result marked a turning point, proving that a new kind of political movement is achievable in the UK: one that prioritizes optimism and unity over division and hostility.
A New Political Dawn
Last night, we demonstrated that politics can be reimagined. By embracing themes of hope and inclusion, we challenged the status quo and reminded voters that their voices matter. Critics from Labour and Reform, struggling to grasp the broader message, tried to dismiss our campaign as a calculated move to sow discord. Yet, the real impact lay in how we connected with people on a personal level, bridging cultural and linguistic gaps.
The Power of Connection
While our policies and candidate Hannah Spencer played a role, the true catalyst was our communication strategy. Politics in the UK has long relied on a one-sided dialogue, often dominated by the formal tone of Westminster and the English-speaking elite. Reform’s candidate, Matt Goodwin, from Kent, epitomized this narrow approach, speaking in a language that felt distant to many.
In contrast, Gorton and Denton’s electorate, where nearly 40% identify as Muslim and many speak Urdu, Bangla, or Arabic at home, demanded a different style. We adapted by creating materials in multiple languages, including a widely shared Urdu video. This wasn’t just a clever tactic—it was a sincere effort to reflect the diversity of the community and validate their lived realities.
Language as a Bridge
When discussing issues like housing costs, healthcare access, racial inequality, or peace, we didn’t just speak to people—we spoke
with them.
Language, in this context, became a tool to foster belonging, not create barriers. Our campaign showed that inclusivity isn’t about homogenizing voices, but about ensuring every perspective is heard and respected.
Examples from other regions, such as Zohran Mamdani’s multilingual strategy in New York, highlight how reaching out in native tongues can expand political engagement. His use of Arabic, Spanish, and Urdu in campaign videos helped galvanize communities often sidelined by mainstream discourse. This approach resonated deeply, and even Labour acknowledged its effectiveness, now questioning whether to adopt it.
Our victory in Gorton and Denton isn’t just about numbers—it’s about meaning. A 26.5% shift toward the Greens signifies more than a political realignment; it reflects a growing demand for representation that mirrors the diversity of the people. By prioritizing inclusion, we’ve shown that democracy can be a place where every voice is valued, not marginalized.
Language should never be a hurdle to participation. When we speak in the voices of the community, we build trust and open doors. This is the kind of politics the Greens aspire to create: one that empowers rather than excludes, that sees every citizen as an essential part of the story.